< back

Earth Magic - Dodie Grahm Mckay

warning: this section is not compleate, because I did not finish taking notes on this book.

The planet is built on layers of rock. Just as the earth, you can make records of your magic through your witchcraft journey. A great place to keep your records is in your book of shadows - such as I'm doing with this website!

"Earth is the ground we walk on, quite literally. It is the rocks, the mud, and the mountains. Earth is also our body and our physical manifestation in this life. Earth is our center, our money, and our stability." xiii

We can embrace the connection of humanity and nature to work magic and find new ways to connect with the energies around us, and empower all the magic work we do.

Forming a connection with your area is especially important. Questions you can ask about your area include (but not limited to):

• What is the geology around you? (Is it loose and sandy, hard clay, etc?)
• What are notable geographical features? (Mountains, forests, rivers, etc.) What are their names?
• Who were the first people in your area?
• What are local ancient or sacred sites?
• What is the local lore about the land spirits or supernatural creatures?
• What are the names of your local native plants?
• What are the names of your local animals, birds, and fish?
• Approximately when on the calender does each season seem to set in?

Calling an entity usually comes in two forms: Evoking and Invoking.

Evocation: For most purposes, it's the most appropriate. Requires thought and planning. "You can be successful evoking an entity just by using your words, but it can be very meaningful and helpful to add in some ritual actions, such as lighting and candling and giving an offering." (Page 57)

Invocation: allows an entity to possess a human body. Requires more thought, consideration, and planning. It's helpful to take it slow and have a helper or helpers. There are many signs the invocation is working. Here are common signs, though is not the limit (as far as I'm aware).

Vessel may:

• close their eyes
• relax physically
• feel pressure / physical discomfort
• have blurred/tunnel vision
• lose concept of time
• experience emotional outbursts, like inappropriate anger or laughter
• physically strengthen/be more agile
• experience amnesia

Helper might observe:

• change in posture/mannerisms
• change in skin condition (blushing/flushing, paleness, sweating, etc)
• change in vocal patterns (foreign language, accent, or slurred speech)
• no longer require glasses, hearing aid, cane, other required/accessibility items
• eyes not tracking together
• change in facial characteristics (eye fluttering, tics, etc)

If the invocation is light, the vessel may feel compelled to say or do things as if prompted. At a light level, the vessel is still in control. As the invocation becomes deeper, they slowly start losing their control. They may say words without knowing where they're coming from, or have insights they wouldn't normally have.

At complete possession, the vessel surrenders their body to the entity. Aid of the helper is very important, and their responsibility to ensure the safety of the vessel/other participants.

Aftercare for invocation is very imporant. It's normal for a vessel to need time to readjust to mundane life and need help to look after bodily needs.

Have someone say their name, then ask if they are fully present and have any reson to deceive them. The answers should be a clear yes and clear no respectfully. If they are unable, the helper should address them by their name and ask them to repeat it back.

The once-vessel may be tired, hungry, and in need of the bathroom. It's a good idea to have food and drinks available for after.

It is customar to offer dieties something when you call on them. "This may be a show of respect, reverence, or thanks for their gifts when a magical working is successful." (63)

Do research and make sure the offering is appropriate and will be appreciated. When offering foods or drinks, make sizes fitting and practical.

Food: Select items noted in the stories. Select ripe and beautiful foods Food can be left on a plate or a penticle and put on the alter. Plates can also be taken outside for dieties in the form of wild animals to take.

Alcohol: Beer, wine, cider, spirits, or mead can be used. Certain dieties may have a prefernce. Open fresh for carbenated drinks or wine. Spirits can be previously opened if still good. Can be poured onto the earth, over an outdoor shrine, or into a river/stream. If making an offer to a forest diety, pour it on the base of a tree. If indoors, pour into a potted plant, or into a bowl and take it outside after.

Incense: Clasic offering.